Be careful - Cyclone Pam arrives this evening

The north-east coast of Auckland and Great Barrier will be hit by severe weather this evening and general disruption is expected across the region.

Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley says Aucklanders are advised to exercise extreme caution.

“Areas north of Whangaparaoa and Great Barrier have a good chance of river and stream flooding, strong winds, large swells, waves and coastal erosion.

“If possible Aucklanders should reconsider their travel plans and work from home or delay their travel time to avoid expected traffic disruptiontomorrow morning.

“Surface flooding and slips is likely to make driving difficult from tonight until Tuesday.”

“There may also be local power cuts.”

Coastal erosion is expected in low-lying communities north of Whangaparaoa at high tide at 4am and 4.15pm on Monday. Communities with the highest risk include Orewa, Leigh, Omaha, Point Wells, Whangateau and Waiwera. Coastal roads on the Whangaparaoa peninsula may get flooded at Arkles, Matakatia and Hobbs bays.

“People in affected areas should have a battery-powered torch, radio, food, water and other essentials,” Mr Manley says.

“If you live in a low-lying area prone to flooding, you should have a getaway kit ready in case you need to move to higher ground.”

Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre will continue to coordinate work with the emergency services, transport, telco and energy providers as required.

Detailed impacts

Great Barrier Island

1. Between 11pm and 6am, mean southeast winds are expected to be 110km/hr with localised gusts of 140km/hr possible. These should ease throughout Monday.

2. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 8pm tonight and 10am tomorrow; up to 75mm may fall in 15 hours.

3. The northeast swell will rise to between 6m and 8m overnight, then ease to between 4m and 6m on Mondayafternoon. Combined waves are likely to peak between 8m and 10m for a short time around dawn on Monday.

Northeastern Auckland (north of Whangaparaoa)

1. Can expect periods of heavy rainfall between 7pm tonight and 9am tomorrow where up to 75mm in 15 hours may accumulate.

2. From this evening, southeast mean winds are expected to be 70km/h gusting to 90km/h rising to 90km/h gusting 120km/h until about dawn on Monday.

3. The northeast swell will rise to between 5m and 6m Monday morning and ease in the afternoon. Combined waves likely to peak between 5.5m and 7m briefly overnight.

Rest of Auckland

1. Periods of heavy rainfall and strong winds are likely to affect the entire Auckland region overnight and intotomorrow.

2. Rainfall totals are likely to be higher in the Hunua and Waitakere ranges.

Tides

High tides are forecast for 3.59am and 4.17pm at 3m on Monday (Auckland east coast). Forecast low pressures will increase these tides to around 3.4m plus the effect of combined seas.

If the severe weather hits:

• Stay at home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary.

• Power and phone services may be disrupted. Have a torch and battery-powered radio (or car radio) so you can listen to weather alerts. You also may want to have a gas cooker handy.

On the road drivers are urged to exercise caution:

• Headlights on.

• Drive to the conditions.

• Keep a safe distance from the car in front.

ENDS

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